The Problem We Are Trying to Solve
Sometimes families need help and support with issues.
They generally turn to friends, family, or community groups.
But at times it can be difficult to find the right people with the right information and power.
It can feel like trying to find your way through a maze – confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming.
There is a lot of support available but it is not always co-ordinated.
Community groups or workers may know people who can help, but this is dependent on having made the right connections.
If help can be found quickly and easily, it can prevent situations escalating and avoid referrals to statutory services.
It will also make the process more efficient and fulfilling for community groups.
Our Approach
We are bringing a small group of community organisations and council services together once a month to talk through how we can help families resolve difficult situations.
We want workers on both sides to get to know one another and become familiar with what we all do. Putting names and faces to a service or a group is invaluable. It helps build trust and confidence.
Together we are aiming to make it easier to know what help is available and how to access it.
First steps
We have started by inviting groups local to Castle Point Community Hub (base for Community Resources) to meet monthly via Zoom.
We have also invited some key council services.
We talk about some specific difficulties we are trying to help people resolve.
And together we try to find a solution.
For example:
- The problem: people who are being moved into alternative accommodation are given little guidance about what they need to do when they move.
- One solution: produce a simple guide with prompts of what to do, when and how.
We have the draft guide. Next step is to design it. And then trial how to share and use it.
Looking forward
We want to take this beyond:
- The neighbourhood around Castle Point to other neighbourhoods across the borough
- Empowering community groups to empowering individuals.
Sally Dixon
http://communityresources.co.uk/